Since Jan. 1, incumbent U.S. Rep. Brian Mast, R-Palm City, received nearly $888,000 while Democratic challenger Lauren Baer, a former foreign policy adviser in the Obama administration, received more than $450,000, according to Federal Elections Commission records released this week.

Not surprisingly, both candidates received donations from their respective party leaders: Republicans who want to keep District 18 red and Democrats who want to turn it blue. Both also received donations from prominent business leaders who support their party's policies.

Baer, a scion of the South Florida namesake furniture empire, also counts wealthy activists among her donors.

Brian Mast

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U.S. Rep. Brian Mast hosted a town hall discussion with more than 400 constituents June 5, 2017 at the Kane Center in Stuart. Many asked about health care, tax reform and President Donald Trump, while others spoke up about Syrian refugees, women's reproductive rights, care for veterans, climate change and the Indian River Lagoon.(Photo: LEAH VOSS/TCPALM)

Republican politicians and donors include:

$13,500: PACs affiliated with five Republican House members

$5,000: House Speaker Paul Ryan's PAC, Prosperity Action Inc.

$2,700: Vice President Mike Pence's PAC, Great America Committee

$2,000: Republican Main Street Partnership PAC, associated with a group of centrist Republicans in Congress